The First Christmas Carol
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
Luke 2:13-14
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
I’m not a fan. It doesn’t do anything for my Christmas joy. It may be funny. You may like it. Your kids and grandkids probably love to sing it to the limits of your patience. But in my mind it ranks below the Chipmunk Christmas song. I’m speaking of the song that celebrates an act of animal cruelty on an elderly woman on Christmas Eve. Although not all grandmas are elderly, I suspect you know the song.
The first Christmas carol was anything but trite and funny. I speaks of glory to God and peace on earth.
Glory belongs to God alone. He is worthy of praise. Songs that extol him are fitting at all times. But this is especially true at Christmas. God has come to earth. He is laying aside his glory to become a baby. The angels announce this amazing moment to the shepherds and then sing God’s praises, “Glory to God in the highest!”
God speaks through Isaiah, ”I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images” (Isaiah 42:8).
Angels and elders cry out ”with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Revelation 7:10)
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13)
Even before his exaltation, and ascension to the right hand of God, Jesus is receiving the praise he deserves. I love Christmas carols! This is the first one. But here are a few other favorites of mine. You won’t find a mention of a reindeer in any of them.
Of the Father’s Love Begotten
Joy to the World
O Come All Ye Faithful
Silent Night
O Holy Night
These are a few of my own favorites. Maybe you have a few other ones. I’d love to learn of them! Just leave a comment below.
Merry Christmas!
David Bahn - Reflections 
I add:
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Angels from the Realms of Glory
I love them all but those which portray the majestic brilliance of the angels pronouncing Jesus’ arrival capture both my ears and heart. These two mentioned aren’t just favorites they are also the first two which came to my mind! I especially love turning up the car stereo really loudly and singing along!!! A JOY, INDEED!